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Hiking in Hong Kong is one of our favourite pastimes. From hiking to The Peak to Pineapple Dam there are plenty of easy hikes that are family-friendly!
Tired of your little couch potatoes sitting around the house? Though we love a good playdate at one of the many amazing outdoor playgrounds in Hong Kong, we love family day trips that get us closer to nature, so beach days and hiking trips are always on the cards. Hong Kong’s countryside is packed with hundreds of scenic hiking trails. From short and easy hikes to hiking on Hong Kong Island — think The Peak, Pineapple Dam and Cape D’Aguilar — as well as the MacLehose trail in Sai Kung, Lamma Island family walk and more, here’s your ultimate list of family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong.
Read More: Best Beaches In Hong Kong To Visit With The Family
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Best Hikes In Hong Kong With Kids
Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong
Easy Hikes In Hong Kong
Hiking Hong Kong’s Islands
Things To Know Before Taking Your Kids Hiking In Hong Kong
Best Hikes In Hong Kong With Kids
Devil’s Peak – Historic hiking trail in Hong Kong that’s well-paved all throughout
Despite its treacherous name, the hike itself isn’t difficult at all! The name comes from the history of pirates hiding in the caves and occupying the hills during the Ming Dynasty. Along the path, you’ll find plenty of war relics, abandoned and yet they still feel frozen in time. What we love about this trail is how well-paved it is, there’s no loose gravel, no muddy paths — just some seemingly endless stairs! That said, it’s not too steep and older kids will enjoy this hike.
Hiking details: Moderate difficulty; Distance: 3km; Time: 1.5 hours
Starting point: Ko Chiu Road (walk up the slope towards Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery)
Finishing point: Same as starting point, come down the same way
Read More: Stroller Friendly Hikes Hong Kong – Easy Hiking Trails And Accessible Walks
Pineapple Dam Nature Trail – More of a walk, and lots of monkeys!
A relaxing walk along the Shing Mun Reservoir, Pineapple Dam is scenic, to say the least. You’ll spot plenty of butterflies, and monkeys (just be sure the kids have all their snacks in their bags) whilst basking in nature. We never tire of admiring the strikingly tall paperbark trees that line both sides of the path, making us forget we’re in Hong Kong! If you plan your visit on drier seasons, you’ll see the massive, interconnected roots of the trees as you walk down closer to the reservoir but in the rainy season, the whole forest is submerged, creating a mystical look.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 7km; Time: 3.5 hours
Starting point: Shing Mun Lower Reservoir
Finishing point: Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam (circular trail)
Read More: Wild Animals In Hong Kong – Where To See Wildlife In And Around The City
Cape D’Aguilar – Easy hiking with kids in Hong Kong
Easily reachable via Citybus route 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR, Cape D’Aguilar is basically a flat walk until you reach the cape, where you may need to do a wee bit of rock climbing depending on the views you’re after. But with kids, we’d suggest playing it safe and staying low. From Thunder Cave to the skeleton of Miss Willy (possibly belonging to a whale that performed at Ocean Park) and the Crab Cave (due to its shape), this easy hike is a quick getaway from the city.
Sassy Mama Tip: Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip to be able to walk freely around the walks without injuring yourself or your child.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 8km; Time: 2 hours
Starting point: Cape D’Aguilar Road
Finishing point: Cape D’Aguilar Road (same way back)
Dragon’s Back Hike – Scenic, short and accessible hiking on Hong Kong Island
This hasn’t been dubbed Asia’s top urban hike for nothing. The Dragon’s Back hike offers stunning views of the South China Sea, remote islands, and Shek O village. Winding across the ridges of Shek O Country Park, this lovely hiking trail is manageable for older kids. If you’ve got a little one in a backpack, the sections of stairs and steep climbs make it a tad more strenuous.
Hiking details: Moderate difficulty; Distance: 8.5km; Time: 4 hours
Starting point: Shek O Road, near Tei Wan Village
Finishing point: Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay)
Read More: Shek O Beach – Your Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide To Shek O
Tai Tam Family Walk – Easy and accessible hiking with interactive history lessons!
The calm and tranquil Tai Tam Family Walk follows the contours of the Tai Tam Reservoir — the primary source of freshwater supply on Hong Kong Island. Easily accessible by public transport, this family hiking trail is a popular option for a laid-back weekend adventure. For the architecture and heritage buffs, take a leisurely walk down the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail for a fun interactive history lesson with your children. Covering up to 21 declared monuments, the trail is perfect to spark your kids’ interest in learning more about local culture!
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 1.6km; Time: 1 hour
Starting Point: Tai Tam Reservoir Road (near Parkview Mansions)
Finishing Point: Tai Tam Reservoir Road (near Tai Tam Upper Reservoir)
Sheung Yiu Family Walk – Hiking in Hong Kong with barbecue sites for a picnic
Located within Sai Kung Country Park, this peaceful and mostly flat hike offers breathtaking views of lush greeneries and gushing streams. About halfway along the route, there is a picnic site that’s perfect for a short break and a bite. Take a detour to the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum and check out the stunning remnants of a 19th-century Hakka village. Or make your way to an alfresco barbecue site located at the bottom of the hike.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 1.8km; Time: 1 hour
Starting point: Sheung Yiu
Finishing point: Tai Mong Tsai Road
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Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong – Hiking Trails Under One Hour
Pok Fu Lam Family Walk – Accessible hiking trail on Hong Kong Island
Take any bus from Central to the entrance of Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road and walk another five minutes to arrive at the start of this pleasant family walk. Be sure to climb the steps at the end of the hiking trail to enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the reservoir!
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 3.5km; Time: Roughly 1 hour
Starting point: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Management Centre
Finishing point: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road
Chuen Lung Family Walk – Bamboo-lined hiking path for your Instagram!
Stroll through the bamboo-lined path and enjoy the breathtaking birds-eye view of Tai Mo Shan Country Park. The entrance and exit of the relaxing family hike are connected to a spacious outdoor barbecue ground, which makes the perfect post-hike treat!
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 0.5km; Time: Approx. 30 minutes
Starting point: Chuen Lung Barbecue Area
Finishing point: Chuen Lung Barbecue Area
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Ping Shan Heritage Trail – Experience hiking Hong Kong’s early rural culture
Follow the historical hiking trail around Yuen Long to glimpse Hong Kong’s early rural culture. Featuring 10 conserved sites, the Ping Shan Heritage Trail begins at the 600-year-old Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda — Hong Kong’s only surviving pagoda and a declared monument. The tower dates back to the Ming dynasty and was constructed to ensure the academic and professional success of the villagers.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 1.6km; Time: 40 minutes
Starting point: Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai Station, Exit E3; when you arrive at the ground floor, cross Tsui Sing Road and you will see Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda)
Finishing point: Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery
Clearwater Bay Tree Walk – Short and easy hiking in Hong Kong with a lookout pavilion
To step away from the concrete jungle and into an actual one, the Clearwater Bay Tree Walk is short and easy, and will keep the kids busy by spotting unique fauna. The dense woodland is well-paved with clear signposting, with a slight slope heading to the lookout pavilion (one of the best places to fly a kite). There are a total of 12 stops throughout the walk, pointing out the country park’s interesting flora including the square-leaved Chinese Laurel and Bamboo Orchid (and be prepared to have your kids distracted by butterflies and dragonflies!).
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 1.2km; Time: 30 minutes
Starting Point: Located inside Clear Water Bay Country Park; to get there, take KMB bus 91 to Tai Au Mun roundabout
Finishing Point: Tai Hang Tun – the barbecue site
Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
Easy Hikes In Hong Kong
Lugard Road Hiking Trail – The Peak Circle Walk
The Peak has some super tranquil and mainly shaded, paved scenic walks. The most popular of these is the Peak Circle Walk — a flat 3.5km stroller-friendly hike (or take the kids’ scooter or bike — just be mindful of crowds) along Lugard Road and Harlech Road. It gives you one of the best views of the enchanting Hong Kong skyline.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 6km for a roundtrip; Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Starting Point: Just past the Peak Lookout Cafe – take the path to the right to start with Hong Kong city views, or to the left to finish with them
Finishing Point: The Peak
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Pik Shan Path – A relatively easy and well-paved hiking path in Hong Kong
You can spot this hidden gem tucked away just above the bustling Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood. Surrounded by a forest of trees, you will be fully immersed in nature. The concrete-laden path makes this a fairly easy and comfortable walk, perfect for introducing your kids to hiking. If you want more of a challenge, finish at the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir for a 6.5km hike (complete with amazing views and a few stair climbs).
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 3.5km; Time: 1 hour
Starting Point: Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre (you can catch the Citybus 13 bus from Central all the way to the end of the route at Kotewall Road and, from there, it is a short walk to the starting point)
Finishing Point: Pok Fu Lam Road Playground
Read More: Sassy Mama’s Family Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Ying Pun
Bowen Road – A shaded, convenient family-friendly hike in Hong Kong
Flat, paved, shady in the afternoon, and extremely convenient — in other words, it’s super family-friendly. Add the parking lot and a mini playground and it’s a winner. A go-to for hiking with a pram, it’s also perfect for little ones who want to scoot or bike.
Hiking details: Super, duper easy hike; Distance: 4km or 8km for a roundtrip; Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Starting Point: Bowen Road off Magazine Gap Road
Finishing Point: There are a few options – either back where you started if you make the roundtrip, near Stubbs Road if you go one-way, or you can head down the hill near the playground/parking lot to Kennedy Road.
Hiking Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands
Cheung Chau Family Trail – Birds-eye view of fishing boats and panoramic views
The meandering trail spans across the entire Cheung Chau island and offers amazing views of a beautiful beach, colourful fishing boats along the harbour and busy market stalls. Kids will love stepping into the pirate territory at the Cheung Po Tsai Cave — the hideout of Hong Kong’s notorious 18th-century pirates, and the scenic coastal walk Mini Great Wall.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 9km; Time: 3.5 hours
Starting Point: Cheung Chau Pier
Finishing Point: Cheung Chau Pier
Read More: Cheung Chau Island – Your Family-Friendly Neighbourhood Guide
Lamma Island Family Trail – Well-paved hiking trails in Hong Kong intersecting at villages
Lamma Island is a fantastic location to take the kids hiking and get a break away from the constant hustle of the city! Meandering through the island’s green interior, the paved trail runs between two buzzing villages. Starting in Yung Shue Wan, you’ll find a handful of little alfresco bars. We also love the choice of seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan, which are perfect for an easy, no-fuss dinner at the end of the hike.
Hiking details: Moderate to easy; Distance: 3km; Time: 45 minutes
Starting Point: Yung Shue Wan
Finishing Point: Sok Kwu Wan
Read More: Exploring Lamma Island With Kids – Where To Eat, Shop, And Things To Do
Peng Chau Family Walk – Historic walk through abandoned facilities and ancient temples
A thriving industrial centre in the 70s and 80s, Peng Chau remains home to abandoned factories and ancient temples that are reminiscent of its more glorious days. The best part of the island walk is surely the 30-minute climb up to Fung Ping Pavilion at the top of Finger Hill. You and your family will love the stunning views of Disneyland, Discovery Bay, and Tsing Ma Bridge from high above!
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 7km; Time: 3.5 hours
Starting Point: Peng Chau Ferry Pier
Finishing Point: Peng Chau Ferry Pier
Read More: Your Family-Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Peng Chau
Po Toi – Hiking with ancient rock formations, also known as Hong Kong’s South Pole
We’ll say this upfront so you don’t underestimate this hike — though it’s well-paved and family-friendly, there is no shade so we highly recommend going to Po Toi during the cooler season. Many families actually go to Po Toi just for its amazing seafood at Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, which is five minutes away from the ferry pier. You can opt to either have your meal first or come back after your hike. There are three different routes, Route 1 and 2 are family-friendly whereas Route 3 is for more advanced hikers. Kids will love spotting the endless number of butterflies and dragonflies and the peculiarly shaped rocks — just remember to carry enough water!
Do note that the ferry schedule for Po Toi is infrequent, you’ll need to keep watch of timing to make sure you catch the ferry back to Stanley or Aberdeen.
Hiking details: Moderate difficulty; Distance: 4.5km; Time: 3 hours
Starting Point: Po Toi Ferry Pier
Finishing Point: Po Toi Ferry Pier
Read More: How To Visit Po Toi Island With Kids
Tap Mun (Grass Island) – Remote grassland in Hong Kong with beginner-friendly hiking
This island is so far off that there’s no phone signal (but all the better to unplug, right?). To get to Tap Mun, you can get on the Kaito ferry or hire a speedboat from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung, the journey will take about 15 minutes or so. The hike around the island is well-paved and family-friendly, we’ve even spotted parents braving strollers uphill! The short hike will take you to a beautiful grassland, and you’ll be greeted by some friendly cows (we also don’t quite know how they got there!). We recommend going down to Pebbles Beach (not the sandy kind) to relax by the waves.
Hiking details: Easy; Distance: 7km; Time: 3.5 hours
Starting Point: Tap Mun Ferry Pier
Finishing Point: Tap Mun Ferry Pier
Things To Know Before Taking Your Kids Hiking In Hong Kong
Need A Hong Kong Hiking Guide?
Are you new to hiking and want someone to show you the way? All you have to do is ask! Local tour company Walk Hong Kong offers special family-guided hikes all around Hong Kong. It can also organise something special for your group — be it an urban walk through the markets or an easygoing hike through one of Hong Kong’s country parks. Alternatively, join a guided adventure and eco-tour with Wild Hong Kong to discover the many hidden gems of the city.
Read More: Local Hong Kong Tours – Explore The City With Your Kids
Get The Hong Kong Hiking App!
Download Enjoy Hiking for free on Apple Store and Google Play. Created by Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the app showcases various hiking trails in Hong Kong. Search for hikes based on your interests and fitness level, review maps, and navigate in English or Chinese.
Read More: Essential Hong Kong Numbers, Apps And Websites That Every Parent Should Have On Hand
Books About Hiking In Hong Kong
Guidebooks are usually jam-packed with stunning landscape pictures and informative details. Get your little bookworms excited for hiking with Theadora Whittington’s The Dragon’s Back, a sweetly illustrated story chronicling a family hike into the mountains that sends a gentle message of environmental stewardship. For a more comprehensive look into Hong Kong’s hiking routes, check out Pete Spurrier’s paperback The Leisurely Hiker’s Guide Hong Kong.
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Bring More Water On A Hike Than You Think You’ll Need
Make sure you pack the essentials! Dehydration is serious‚ even in the cooler months. Whip up a bag of trail mix (packed with peanuts, raisins, M&Ms, and other yummy things) to give yourself a midday boost and quiet down the little hikers. Don’t forget to wear a hat and apply sunscreen and bug repellent! Lastly, jot down these helpful numbers and tips to make sure you can stay in touch while enjoying some of Hong Kong’s gorgeous parks.
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Editor’s Note: “The Best Trails To Go Hiking In Hong Kong With Kids” was most recently updated in October 2023 by Sassy Mama. Special thanks to Jess Mizzi and Fashila Kanakka for their contribution.
